British Open 2019: Rain, gusty winds to bring daily challenges for golfers

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

The 148th Open Championship is set to be played at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland, from July 18 to July 21.

The world's oldest golf championship returns to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years and the weather may be a factor in the outcome.

Extreme weather is not expected during the four days of intense playon the rugged links which feature frequent changes in direction and elevation.

Tiger Woods of the United States smiles during a practice round at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, Monday, July 15, 2019. The148th Open Golf Championship begins on July 18. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Practice days on Tuesday and Wednesday will be at risk for unsettled weather.

Tuesday is expected to be the better of the two days with a passing shower or two and a light to moderate wind.

Wednesday with bring frequent showers or a period of rainfall from late morning. The rainfall will be accompanied by a gusty southwesterly wind.

First round action is slated to begin on Thursday and rainfall and gusty winds will once again be a concern.

While rainfall is not expected to be heavy enough to cause delays, course conditions may change throughout the day creating difficult play for even the world's best golfers.

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A dry start to the day is possible on Friday for the second round of play; however, the threat for rainfall will increase during the day. Light to moderate winds are forecast throughout the day.

A drier day is forecast on Saturday, but there will be the risk for a brief shower as winds remain light to moderate. Cloud may yield to a few sunny breaks during the afternoon.

Rain will once again be a concern for the final round of play on Sunday. While rainfall is possible at any point during the day, a steady rain is possible for several hours during the afternoon and evening.

Heat will certainly not be a concern at this year's Open Championship; in fact, spectators and players will want to dress accordingly as daily high temperatures will range from 17 to 19 C (63-67 F).

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